HughAHalliday
16th January 2022, 13:12
BARTLETT, George Arthur, W/C (32071) - No.21 Squadron - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 4 April 1941. Missing, believed killed, 26 April 1941 (Blenheim V6338).
In March, 1941, this officer was the pilot of an aircraft which took part in a sustained attack on an enemy aerodrome. In spite of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire he pressed home his attack from a low level dropping bombs at intervals, while his gunner machine gunned the aerodrome. During one run over the target, Wing Commander Bartlett was wounded and his aircraft severely damaged, but he continued his attack for the allotted time, dropping bombs which caused considerable damage to the aerodrome and to a dispersal area. Wing Commander Bartlett succeeded in flying his damaged aircraft back to base and landing safely. He has shown exceptional leadership, courage and determination.
Public Record Office AIR 2/2489 has recommendation for an Air Force Cross dated 4 October 1937 when he was a Flight Lieutenant, Northolt Station Flight, No.11 Group. Employed as Flying Instructor with London Air Squadron. Not approved but transcribed for the historical record. Text as follows:
For the past 18 months this officer has given spectacular flying displays on all occasions that this Station has been visited by service visitors such as Staff Colleges and representatives of Foreign Governments. In addition he has given performances at the 1936 and 1937 RAF Displays at Hendon. He has added to the value of his displays by the suitable use of R/T. Throughout the displays this officer’s judgement and flying were beyond criticism.
On 27 October 1937 the Air Officer Commanding, No.11 (Fighter) Group, added his comments: “This officer has proved an example of outstanding flying ability which it would be difficult to equal in the service. I entirely endorse the recommendation of his Commanding Officer and consider him worthy of special recognition. Strongly recommended for the Air Force Cross.”
In March, 1941, this officer was the pilot of an aircraft which took part in a sustained attack on an enemy aerodrome. In spite of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire he pressed home his attack from a low level dropping bombs at intervals, while his gunner machine gunned the aerodrome. During one run over the target, Wing Commander Bartlett was wounded and his aircraft severely damaged, but he continued his attack for the allotted time, dropping bombs which caused considerable damage to the aerodrome and to a dispersal area. Wing Commander Bartlett succeeded in flying his damaged aircraft back to base and landing safely. He has shown exceptional leadership, courage and determination.
Public Record Office AIR 2/2489 has recommendation for an Air Force Cross dated 4 October 1937 when he was a Flight Lieutenant, Northolt Station Flight, No.11 Group. Employed as Flying Instructor with London Air Squadron. Not approved but transcribed for the historical record. Text as follows:
For the past 18 months this officer has given spectacular flying displays on all occasions that this Station has been visited by service visitors such as Staff Colleges and representatives of Foreign Governments. In addition he has given performances at the 1936 and 1937 RAF Displays at Hendon. He has added to the value of his displays by the suitable use of R/T. Throughout the displays this officer’s judgement and flying were beyond criticism.
On 27 October 1937 the Air Officer Commanding, No.11 (Fighter) Group, added his comments: “This officer has proved an example of outstanding flying ability which it would be difficult to equal in the service. I entirely endorse the recommendation of his Commanding Officer and consider him worthy of special recognition. Strongly recommended for the Air Force Cross.”